How We Work

At the Azrieli Foundation we are passionate about the promise and importance of a rigorous but creative approach to philanthropy, strategic collaborations and leadership and bold forward thinking. We believe these are the keys to the generation of new knowledge that will create positive outcomes for future generations. We aim to achieve measurable impact in our priority areas and to improve the lives of others.

“Generosity toward the future lies in giving to the present.”

– Albert Camus

Rigorous and Creative

Aiming to make a meaningful impact in our priority areas, we employ not only significant financial resources, but also a rigorous approach to due diligence, short-, medium- and long-term evaluation and reporting. At the same time, we remain open to tackling issues in new and creative ways, and flexible in making adjustments along the way.

Beginning with a careful review of a potential grantees’ or partner’s track record, strategies, leadership and financial stability, as well as the sustainability of any proposed initiative, our funding aims to make a measurable difference by strengthening institutions, empowering individuals and catalyzing out of-the-box thinking and innovative approaches to pressing problems.

Our grant-making ranges from large and long-term initiatives and programs to smaller, strategic short-term investments. In each case, we endeavour to right-size our investments for maximum and measurable impact.

Our funding spans our eight broad areas of interest and there are often important connections and synergies between priorities. As we continue to apply best practices in philanthropy and learn from our peers and partners, our strategies within our priority areas may evolve.

In Canada

The Foundation maintains a rigorous process for review and monitoring for all its grants, small or large. Our practice for granting is to take a proactive approach. At this time we do not have an application process for unsolicited requests. If you believe your organization fits within the Foundation’s strategic priority areas, you may contact us with a brief description of your organization or program. Please note that we can only provide grants to Canadian registered charities; we do not provide direct grants to individuals.

In Israel

Amplifying Impact: Collaborations

We believe in productive partnerships with other funders, thought-leaders and stakeholders in academia, government and the private sector who share our goals. Our collaborations are aimed at amplifying the impact of our funding, as well as creating learning opportunities that can improve philanthropic practices and outcomes generally.

Over the last three decades we have also endeavoured to connect our grantees and partners to one another, seeing synergies that can break down silos and encourage creative thinking to generate cutting-edge multidisciplinary contributions.

Bold Forward Thinking

We play a catalytic role in supporting the development of innovative solutions that have the potential to trigger change on a much broader scale. We fund lower-profile projects that might otherwise be overlooked and we make transformational donations to visionaries that we have identified as potential change-makers.

The hallmarks of our philanthropic leadership are an approach that is forward thinking, willing to take risks, and looking ahead to the promise of change. This approach stems from the vision of our founder, David J. Azrieli z”l, who thought big, prepared carefully, acted boldly, took calculated risks and never lost sight of the importance of generosity and compassion in building a better world for future generations.